Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Assay Development and Therapeutic Agent Identification

Funding Opportunity Summary

Research Focus

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Aging, and the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long Term (HEAL) initiative seek applications to develop and deploy in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo assays for high-throughput screening of potential therapeutic agents. The primary goal is identifying and characterizing small molecules and biologics that address disorders supported by participating NIH Institutes/Centers, with particular emphasis on non-opioid analgesic therapeutics with minimal addiction liability. Assays may incorporate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) where scientifically appropriate. This funding supports the translational pipeline from target validation through lead compound identification.

At a Glance

• Who can apply: Not stated
• Funding & project length: Not stated
• Award mechanism: Not stated
• Key dates: Applications not currently being solicited; notice issued for planning purposes
• Best fit for: Drug discovery and chemical biology researchers developing screening platforms for pain therapeutics and neurological/aging-related conditions

Note: This is an advance notice. Specific eligibility, budget, and submission deadlines will be announced when the formal funding opportunity is released. Researchers should use this period to establish collaborations and design assay development and screening strategies aligned with HEAL initiative priorities.